Philadelphia Nonprofits and Charities

I can't say enough about how important PCF's technology distribution program is. I donated a computer and am working on getting more from friends and colleagues. <br> <br>It is key that young people in particular continue to have ready access to PC technology and in our current climate of cutbacks for public education, PCF is filling an ever increasing void that can't be filled elsewhere. John Bannan and his staff need to be commended for recognizing a need and finding a way to try to fill it.

COSACOSA has partnered with my community center for over 15 years, working creatively on issues of diversity and conflict resolution. The organization has become the "go to" resource whenever we need assistance with civic planning. The art we've created together as a neighbors helps us find ways to work together on other projects too. COSACOSA helps us make the community really "belong" to all of us!

Tioga United has been a blessing to more that 10,000 residents in the Tioga community and thier families. Since 1996 when a committee was formed to plan and host an annual festival, which 15 annual succesful festival have been held. Then by incorporating in 2001 and working collectvely with all our community residents, local representives, other community organization and elected officials, we have been able to make some great and positive changes in our community. <br>* We rebuild our playground in one day with KaBoom! and the Home Depot and 100 community volunteers. <br>* We sponsored 15 awesome festivals where up to 1,000 nieghbors, families and friends attended. <br>* we started baseballl for the first time in 30 years where over 100 young people are now enjoying. <br>* We rezoned and remapped our community for the first time in over 50 years so we will have a say in the development of our community. <br>* We hold monthly community meetings where many residents attend to be informed of what's going on in the neighborhood and in the city of Philadelphia. <br>* We clean over 200 vacant lots monthly. <br>* We host community projects to beautify our streets and landscapes. <br>* We have hosted 4 senior citizen's proms and are planning our 5th one now. <br>* We currently serve as a registered community organization to work with developers and interested applicants to get the required zoning and allow a fair process for the community to support or oppose and variance. <br>* We hosted a developers tour where over 100 developers and realtors participated to show the new development and to interest others in more. <br>* We work with all our resident, schools and universities on education issues. <br>* We are currently are rehabbing 6 houses for homeownership which 2 are completed and sold and we are working on the other 4. <br>*We have done this and much more with an all volunteer board and these are faithful and dedicated residents who love their community and believe all things are possible. <br>When i first moved to Tioga, I thought I died and went to heaven and I do believe we can rebuild Tioga back up so I can feel this way again. There was a 1973 article in The Philadelphia Magazine that called our community "a jungle" and it stated "if blighted North Philadelphia is to be rebuilt, they would have to do it themselves" and at first I was angry about it and then I decided we should use this article to inspire us to rebuild ourselves. All we need is a few more good partners and of course funding to continue our great work throughout the community.

The Frator Heru Institute is an island of vitality in a deeply stressed community, providing services that are entirely relevant to the people who live there. Their large corps of extremely dedicated volunteers take its performance and potential far beyond what its budget might indicate--it's really true that they've been doing so much for so long (26 years!) with so little that now they can do anything with nothing! I wish all community organizations were as well organized and relevant.

I applaud the efforts of this group to provide optimum, wholistic care for a struggling community. In today's economic challenges, this facility offers a "place of refuge" from the worries of the day, and helps clients leave with a sense of hope and healing.

Entrepreneur Works is a key organization in Philadelphia. They're dedicated to their mission and provide incredible services to their clients, helping to launch and support small businesses across the city. As a Philly resident, as someone who works in the nonprofit field, and as someone who someday hopes to start their own business in Philadelphia, I admire Entrepreneur Works and all that they do.

The Community Design Collaborative orients Philadelphia's urban revitalization with citizens needs first, placing the needs of existing communities in front of--but in cooperation with--political and private development interests that otherwise might miss the target of making Philadelphia a truly healthy city.

They are small but impact the community greatly. They provided a historical maker and bust of MLK on Lancaster Ave, and Run Youth Programs as well represent the community in a positive light.